Cumbria whistleblowing case: Police statement

Police in Cumbria have released the following statement in relation to news that a woman who works for Cumbria Police, will not face criminal action over an alleged leak about the expenses of Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes.

"The criminal investigation by Cumbria Constabulary, launched after police received concerns that information was leaked to the media relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner, is now complete.

"A 50 year old woman, an employee of Cumbria Constabulary, arrested on suspicion of data protection offences and misconduct in a public office on 10 April 2013, will face no criminal action.

"A misconduct investigation will now commence in relation to any internal breach of the Code of Conduct. She remains suspended from work.

"Cumbria Constabulary’s staff and police officers have a duty to protect and manage the information they have privileged access to.

"Any allegations relating to a breach of this position need to be investigated to ensure our communities can have trust and confidence in the way we deliver policing in the county."